Several members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been arrested for engaging in electoral malpractice, including altering results, voter bribery, and interfering with voter registers during the party’s recent internal elections. President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM’s national chairperson, described these acts as criminal and damaging to both political integrity and the rule of law.
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Museveni emphasized that immediate action was taken by state agencies such as the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), which led to the apprehension and charging of the offenders. He noted, however, that beyond the criminal implications, there remain political and legal consequences — particularly regarding the legitimacy of candidates declared winners through fraudulent means. The president questioned why the party’s electoral commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, had not rectified the results, especially since the elections were held by open lining up, making manipulation visibly dishonest.
Legal advisors reportedly told Museveni that correcting the electoral irregularities falls under the jurisdiction of the party’s tribunal, not the same officials who oversaw the disputed process. The tribunal is expected to make decisions guided by evidence already gathered by security agencies.
In response, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP) criticized the NRM’s internal turmoil, arguing that the ruling party is now facing the very electoral injustices it has long denied and defended. He accused the NRM of enabling electoral manipulation, militarization of politics, and voter intimidation in national elections, pointing to past abuses in various regions and electoral contests.
Meanwhile, several disgruntled NRM candidates have rejected the official outcomes of the party elections. Citing widespread corruption, intimidation, and manipulation, many have vowed to run as independent candidates in the upcoming 2026 general elections, reflecting broader discontent within the party’s ranks.
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